Heritage International School has launched the 8th edition of the “Heritage Scholarships” Program, offering students from the Republic of Moldova the opportunity to study in an international educational environment.

But what does it mean, in practice, to be a Heritage scholar? What does this journey look like, how does it transform you, and what opportunities does it open up? The answer comes from someone who has lived through this experience not just once, but for six consecutive years.

Sabina Turcan, a 2025 alumna, was one of the first students to receive the Heritage scholarship and managed to maintain it throughout her studies. Today, as the recipient of a full scholarship at Bocconi University in Milan, she shares what this opportunity truly meant to her.

“My name is Sabina Turcan and I am an alumna of Heritage International School in Chișinău, Moldova, having graduated in 2025. Throughout my time at Heritage, I was honoured to be a holder of the Heritage Merit Scholarship for six consecutive years, an opportunity for which I will always be deeply grateful. I was fortunate to be among the first recipients of this award when it was initially introduced at the school.

Over the years, the scholarship became much more than a recognition of academic achievement. It allowed me to demonstrate not only to my school, but also to myself, how far consistent dedication, perseverance, and hard work can take an individual. While the scholarship certainly served as an incentive to continually improve, what motivated me most was the desire to remain part of a community as inspiring and supportive as Heritage.

The scholarship application process took place annually at the end of each academic year and consisted of two main stages. The first stage involved a written application, including a motivational letter explaining why I was applying and what the scholarship meant to me. Applicants were also required to submit a collection of diplomas, certificates, competition awards, and academic transcripts from the previous two years.

Having applied for the scholarship over many consecutive years, I continuously refined the way I presented my achievements. During my first application, I compiled all my certificates and transcripts into a printed booklet, with my motivational letter serving as the introduction. However, after that year, the school transitioned to an online submission process, requiring me to adapt. My application evolved from a traditional CV to a fully developed personal website featuring dedicated sections for academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteering experiences, and international opportunities.

Volunteering also played a significant role in my applications. Throughout my school years, I actively contributed to various youth organisations and community initiatives. Social engagement was equally important to me, having volunteered at numerous events, including sporting competitions. These experiences undoubtedly helped me develop valuable leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while allowing me to give back to the community.

The second stage of the scholarship programme, which consisted of an interview, eventually became remote as well. Although I understood the convenience of online presentations, I preferred it being face-to-face, as it would have allowed me to better showcase my motivation and fully immerse myself in the theme I was addressing. Over the years, I tackled a wide range of topics, including climate change, poverty, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In each presentation, I connected the topic to my personal accomplishments and contributions throughout the year, demonstrating how I had engaged with these issues both academically and through extracurricular activities. At the end of the interview, the selection committee members usually prepared additional follow-up questions to gain a deeper understanding of my experiences and aspirations.

Scholarship recipients are considered ambassadors of the school and are expected to represent the institution in the best possible way. This included participating in Open Day events, welcoming distinguished guests visiting the school and representing the values and standards that Heritage seeks to instill in its students. I vividly remember embracing these opportunities and feeling privileged to be entrusted with such responsibilities.

Academic performance undoubtedly played an important role in maintaining the scholarship. I consistently worked hard to achieve strong grades and make the most of every educational opportunity available to me. Beyond academics, I was actively involved in the Student Council for most of my years at Heritage, serving first as Vice President and later as President. These leadership roles allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the school community, acting as a bridge between the school administration and the students.

However, it is equally important for me to acknowledge the support I received from my teachers throughout the years. I am certain that none of these achievements would have been possible without the people who stood by my side and cared about my success just as much as I did. While the scholarship was an opportunity to challenge and prove myself, it was also a way to give back and express my gratitude to those who continuously encouraged me to grow. In particular, much of this can be attributed to the guidance and support of my homeroom teacher. She is the one who constantly motivated me to step outside my comfort zone, participate in as many events and opportunities as possible, and make the most of every experience available to me. Many of those experiences later became the foundation of the themes and projects I presented during my scholarship interviews. 

Looking back, it feels surreal knowing what a privilege it was to be given this opportunity. This scholarship opened the door to countless possibilities, encouraged me to take ambitious risks during my university application process, and ultimately contributed to my receiving a full scholarship at the university I currently study at. Most importantly, it taught me the value of consistency, commitment and believing in one's potential.”

Sabina’s story shows that the Heritage Scholarship is more than just financial support. It is an opportunity for students who want to learn, get involved, push their limits, and turn ambition into results.

If you see yourself in Sabina’s experience or know a student who is curious, persevering, and eager to take advantage of every opportunity, the “Heritage Scholarships” Program may be the next step.

This year, Heritage is offering 8 scholarships that can cover up to 100% of tuition. Both Heritage students and students from other schools in the Republic of Moldova are eligible to apply, and the deadline for submitting applications is June 14, 2026.

Find out all the details about the application process and eligibility requirements on the school’s official website and in the Program Regulations.